Madness: Take It or Leave It 4K Restoration (12A)
Screen, Friday 20 Nov 2026, 19:30
- ends at 21:03
Following the early years of the ska-pop national treasures, this sly, vividly atmospheric docu-comedy is insouciantly gonzo.
Originally released in 1981, this new 4K restoration of Madness’ self-authored origin tale is both goofily innocent and sharply authentic. Shot wonkily on the streets of north London, in all their gritty, grey, late-70s authenticity, this is the tale of lads in sticky rehearsal studios rising to fame.
Improvised by the band, the film was directed by Stiff Records co-founder Dave Robinson, and, despite the inclusion of chirpy hits 'The Prince', 'One Step Beyond', 'Baggy Trousers' and 'Night Boat to Cairo', is anything but wacky. Utterly charming and a genuine insight into the band and the time in which it was made.
'Perhaps cinema’s most honest depiction of the challenges involved in trying to get a band together.' Stevie Chick, The Guardian
Originally released in 1981, this new 4K restoration of Madness’ self-authored origin tale is both goofily innocent and sharply authentic. Shot wonkily on the streets of north London, in all their gritty, grey, late-70s authenticity, this is the tale of lads in sticky rehearsal studios rising to fame.
Improvised by the band, the film was directed by Stiff Records co-founder Dave Robinson, and, despite the inclusion of chirpy hits 'The Prince', 'One Step Beyond', 'Baggy Trousers' and 'Night Boat to Cairo', is anything but wacky. Utterly charming and a genuine insight into the band and the time in which it was made.
'Perhaps cinema’s most honest depiction of the challenges involved in trying to get a band together.' Stevie Chick, The Guardian
Restricted Performance
Priority booking: Members and friends priority booking only until until Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 10:00, on general sale thereafter.